An online hearing test is available via various websites. However, it must be borne in mind that it is not a diagnostic test and it is always better to get your hearing tested by a qualified audiologist. This is because they will have the appropriate skills and specialized equipment to conduct the tests and evaluate the results. In addition, the audiologist will be able to accurately diagnose, recommend and provide information on the most appropriate treatment or decisions regarding hearing aids.

Some online hearing tests will require you to conduct a questionnaire about daily situations, to determine the amount of problems you may experience due to hearing loss. These questionnaires are often used when listening tests for soft tones cannot be conducted. It must be noted that these tests are only used as screening tools and are not a substitute for professional advice.

Other online hearing tests will require you to hear tones with a wide range of frequencies, ranging from 20 Hz to 16,000 Hz. The human ear is able to detect frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and speech normally occurs between 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz. When the tone is heard through the headphones, you will normally have to press a button and the results recorded.

Headphones used should be of good quality and the best choices are closed-type headphones, as this can reduce outside noise. However, if you have ear-bud headphones, then wearing ear-muffs may help. This type of hearing test should be conducted in a quiet environment to minimize background noise; however, testing away from professional clinics, this may sometimes prove to be difficult.

It is always important to perform an aural volume calibration by a person with good hearing and if during any time of the online hearing test, you feel uncomfortable or the volume is too high, stop the test immediately. It must also be noted that due to the nature of the calibration, this online hearing test is not as accurate as those performed professionally by an audiologist.

Starkey hearing aids use the nFusion technology and can be found in more than 24 countries around the world. This technology uses the power and speed of nanotechnology to enhance the listening experience when using the Starkey hearing aid. These include improved clear sound quality with feedback elimination; automatic activation and adaptation to the listening needs of the patient.

The Starkey Destiny hearing aid family of products uses this nFusion technology and is available in the following series: 1600, 1200, 800 and 400.

The key features of these Starkey brand hearing aids are:
- Active feedback intercepts which eliminates whistling and feedback noises.
- Automatic adjustment of the Starkey hearing aid from one environment to another
- Directional speech detection to provide speech clarity in different environments
- Automatically switches to telephone settings in the presence of a telephone signal
- Range of colours and styles to suit the needs of the wearer (BTE, OTE, RIC, ITE, ITC)
- Sleek, small, discreet and more ergonomic
- Programmable reminders and alerts
- Data logging to track the performance of Starkey hearing products and to perform ongoing analysis and adjustments

Starkey hearing aid prices will vary and it usually depends on the amount of research and development that the hearing aid has undergone, as well as the quality of the hearing aid components. Hearing aids should not be seen as just some plastic that encompasses the latest technology, it’s the investment in your quality of life. When considering Starkey brand hearing aid prices or any other brands, you need to consider your priorities and expectations to decide how much to spend.

You will need to check with your hearing professional during your consultation, whether the costs include other services such as the hearing test, ear mould impressions, fitting and follow-up appointments, Starkey hearing aid batteries, warranties before making a decision.

Ear candles are said to be a natural, safe, non-invasive and simple way of removing excess wax and debris from the inside of the ear. Although ear wax candles are not scientifically proven to recover hearing loss nor cure any specific ear diseases, many people claim that it helps to remove excess wax, improve hearing loss, helps balance and equilibrium symptoms in vertigo, relieve sinus pressure and earache. The use of ear candles should never be used in people who have had recent ear surgery; ear cysts; ear drains; injury or damage to the ear drum and tumors of the ear drum. It is recommended that if you have any certain health problems, to contact your medical physician first.

This procedure of using ear candles is called ear coning, whereby a long tapered beeswax and soy blend candle is narrow enough to be gently inserted into the ear canal and the end is lit. The candle would normally be inserted through a paper plate to protect the face from any spilt wax. The burning flame is said to create a gentle vacuum to promote blood circulation, removal of toxins and wax.

Ear coning can be done on regular basis depending on the amount of ear wax you have. Those with excess ear wax may need to go every week for a few weeks, and those with little ear wax may only need to go a few times a year.

It should be noted that for good quality beeswax candles, there should be little or no spillage of the wax. Ear coning should never hurt, but as the candle burns you will feel warmth in the ear canal and maybe some crackling noises. Ear wax candles can be dangerous and should never be conducted alone, as there may be a risk of skin burns due to the hot wax and may drip into the ear, obstructing the ear canal or even damaging the ear drum.